I make this lemon basil chicken when I want light food that still feels cozy. It belongs with Low Calorie Chicken Recipes and it tastes bright. Juicy chicken meets fresh basil and clean citrus. Dinner lands fast and the kitchen stays calm. I use pantry steps that fit Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast Recipes and Baked Chicken Breast Recipes. You can bake the chicken or use the air fryer. Both paths stay friendly to Calorie Controlled Meals. The flavor stays bold and the texture stays tender. When time runs tight I use the air fryer method from Air Fryer Recipes Chicken. When I want a quiet night I use the oven. Each plate works for Healthy Low Calorie Dinner Recipes and for a Low Calorie Chicken Dinner. Add greens and warm rice or keep it simple with crisp salad. Either way the lemon lifts the basil and the basil lifts the chicken.
Table of Contents
- 1) Key Takeaways
- 2) Easy Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe
- 3) Ingredients for Lemon Basil Chicken
- 4) How to Make Lemon Basil Chicken
- 5) Tips for Making Lemon Basil Chicken
- 6) Making Lemon Basil Chicken Ahead of Time
- 7) Storing Leftover Lemon Basil Chicken
- 8) Try these chicken dinners next
- 9) Lemon Basil Chicken
- 10) Nutrition
1) Key Takeaways
- Bright lemon meets sweet basil for a clean finish that keeps dinner light
- Boneless breasts cook fast and stay juicy with a short rest and a simple pan sauce
- Both oven and air fryer work for busy nights and both give tender results
- Serve with crisp salad or warm rice for balance without heavy sides
2) Easy Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe
I cook this on weeknights when I want ease and a plate that feels fresh. Low Calorie Chicken Recipes guide the choices and I keep the flavors clear. Low Calorie Chicken Recipes help me focus on bright taste and steady portions. The first bite brings lemon that wakes the basil and the chicken settles into it. At Simply Cooked Recipes I test this often and I keep notes with calm care. I am Kathy and I like dinner that lets everyone relax.
Short prep fits a full day. I reach for lemon chicken when the fridge holds a few basics and the clock keeps moving. A sharp zest lifts the broth. Fresh basil softens the edges. The sauce clings and stays light. No heavy cream. No guesswork. Just clear steps that you can trust and repeat.
Readers ask for easy lemon basil chicken that fits real life. I write with plain words and I cook with simple moves. This version works for a quiet night or a quick meal with friends. It also aligns with healthy chicken goals without a long list. The site link for notes and small swaps lives here Simply Cooked Recipes.
3) Ingredients for Lemon Basil Chicken
Boneless skinless chicken breasts Small pieces cook fast and stay tender when they rest. They fit low calorie chicken dishes and keep the plate lean without losing comfort.
Fresh lemon juice and zest Juice brightens the pan sauce. Zest adds oils that carry flavor through each bite. The pair gives clean citrus without weight.
Fresh basil Thin slices melt into the warm sauce and bring a soft herbal note. Basil chicken feels sunny and light and that makes the meal feel kind.
Extra virgin olive oil A little oil helps the sear and rounds the edges of the lemon. It gives a gentle sheen to the sauce.
Garlic Minced cloves perfume the skillet and anchor the sauce with warmth. The flavor stays soft since the cook time runs short.
Low sodium chicken broth Broth loosens the fond and builds a quick pan sauce. The liquid carries the lemon and basil across the chicken.
Sea salt and black pepper Simple seasoning keeps the focus on lemon and basil. Small pinches at the start and a final taste at the end keep balance.
Red pepper flakes A small pinch adds a soft spark. It lifts the citrus and stays in the background.
Honey One teaspoon softens sharp edges from the lemon. The sauce stays light and clean.
4) How to Make Lemon Basil Chicken
Step 1 Pat the chicken dry and set it in a shallow dish. Dry chicken takes a better sear and the texture stays firm. This step sets the stage for low calorie chicken meals that taste bright and clean.
Step 2 Stir lemon juice zest olive oil garlic salt and pepper. Coat the chicken and let it stand for ten minutes. The acid starts tender work while the garlic blooms in the oil.
Step 3 Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Lay in the chicken and sear both sides until pale gold. The goal is gentle color not a hard crust.
Step 4 Pour in broth and scrape the browned bits. Spoon the liquid over the chicken. Bake at four hundred F until the thickest part reaches one hundred sixty five F. This method fits baked lemon basil chicken and keeps the meat juicy.
Step 5 Move the skillet back to low heat. Stir in basil and a touch of honey. Simmer one minute to marry the flavors. For speed use the basket and follow the same marinade and finish for air fryer lemon basil chicken.
Step 6 Rest the chicken for five minutes. Slice across the grain. Spoon the basil sauce over the top and serve warm.
5) Tips for Making Lemon Basil Chicken
Use small breasts or cut large ones in half for even cook time. Thin pieces reach safe temp fast which fits Low Calorie Chicken Recipes and helps texture. A short rest keeps juices inside the meat where they belong.
Salt in light layers. Season the marinade then taste the sauce near the end. This protects the clean citrus notes and lets basil sing. Healthy chicken feels simple when the seasoning stays measured.
Keep heat in the middle. A strong sear can turn the garlic bitter. Moderate heat builds color and leaves the sauce sweet and bright. For varied texture add a handful of chopped basil at the end and keep the rest in thin ribbons.
6) Making Lemon Basil Chicken Ahead of Time
Marinate in the morning and cook at dinner. The flavor gains depth and the steps stay short at night. This plan works well for low calorie chicken ideas that suit busy weeks.
Store cooked chicken with a small pool of sauce to keep it moist. Slice just before serving to hold texture. Reheat gently in a covered skillet until warm through.
For guests cook the chicken an hour ahead and hold it warm with a lid. Stir in fresh basil right before you plate so the color stays bright. A squeeze of fresh lemon at the table wakes the dish.
7) Storing Leftover Lemon Basil Chicken
Pack slices in a tight container with a spoon of sauce. The meat stays tender and ready for lunch. This habit supports Low Calorie Chicken Recipes that stretch across the week.
Use leftovers in grain bowls or chop for salads. Add cherry tomatoes and cucumbers for crunch. A light drizzle of the pan sauce ties the bowl together.
For the freezer wrap portions and label with the date. Thaw in the fridge and warm in a skillet with a splash of broth. The lemon and basil come back to life with a quick simmer.
8) Try these chicken dinners next
9) Lemon Basil Chicken
Lemon Basil Chicken For Low Calorie Chicken Recipes Lovers
Ingredients
- 4 small boneless skinless chicken breasts about 1 pound total
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 3 cup low sodium chicken broth
- 1 2 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon honey optional for balance
- Pinch red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
- Pat the chicken dry. Place it in a shallow dish.
- Stir the olive oil lemon juice lemon zest garlic salt and pepper in a small bowl.
- Coat the chicken with the mixture. Let it rest for ten minutes on the counter.
- Heat a large oven safe skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken. Sear both sides until pale gold.
- Pour in the chicken broth. Spoon the juices over the chicken.
- Bake at 400 F until the chicken reaches one hundred sixty five F. Start checking at twelve minutes.
- Move the skillet to the stove on low heat. Stir in the basil and the honey if you like a round finish.
- Simmer one minute. Spoon the basil pan sauce over the chicken.
- Rest the chicken for five minutes. Slice and serve with lemon wedges.
10) Nutrition
One serving lands near two hundred thirty calories with strong protein and light fat. Sodium stays moderate and carbs run low. The plate feels clean yet still satisfies. Use skinless breasts for the leanest result. Pair with steamed greens or a small scoop of rice for balance that fits daily goals.
I test nutrition values at home with simple tools and I cross check against standard labels. Numbers can shift with size of chicken and the salt you prefer. Keep portions steady and the meal will match your targets with ease.
For more notes and swaps the site keeps the latest updates. Visit Simply Cooked Recipes where I share small tweaks that fit different needs while keeping flavor bright.
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